Hoshiarpur, March 7 (Punjab khabarnama) : Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hoshiarpur, the district-level extension agency of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, organized a field day focused on wheat sown with the PAU Surface Seeder. This event took place at village Saila Khurd in block Garhshankhar, Hoshiarpur on March 6, 2024.
In village Saila Khurd, farmers S. Ramandeep Singh and S. Narinder Singh used PAU surface seeder machine for the first time for sowing of wheat in paddy residue, following advice from KVK scientists. They sowed 5 acres and 4 acres, respectively, using this method.
While interacting with the farmers, Dr. Maninder Singh Bons, Associate Director (Training), KVK Hoshiarpur emphasized the importance of abandoning residue burning to protect the environment. He highlighted the detrimental effects of crop residue burning and encouraged farmers to actively participate in the campaign for non-burning of paddy residue, promoting a low-cost and straightforward technique for in-situ paddy residue management, particularly beneficial for timely sown wheat. Dr. Bons informed that surface seeder machine can be operated using 45 HP tractor and it can sow 1.5 acres of wheat in one hour. The cost of sowing of wheat using this method is Rs. 700-800 per acre only. Furthermore, Dr. Bons provided insights into various insect pest control practices relevant to different rabi crops, aiming to enhance farmers’ knowledge and capabilities in pest management.
The field demonstration on the PAU Surface Seeder was overseen by Dr. Ajaib Singh, Assistant Professor (Agricultural Engineering). He explained that the PAU Surface Seeder is recommended for uniform broadcasting of wheat seed and fertilizer, in addition to cutting and spreading whole straw in a combine-harvested field.
Dr. Karamvir Singh Garcha, Assistant Professor in Vegetable Science, emphasized the significance of integrated nutrition gardening to the farmers.
The wheat crop exhibited good germination, and farmers expressed satisfaction with its performance. Attendees had the opportunity to raise queries, which were promptly addressed on-site, facilitating the effective exchange of information and knowledge among participants.
The progressive farmers, represented by individuals such as S. Iqbal Singh from village Jassowal, S. Kuldeep Singh from village Paddi Sura Singh, S. Arwinder Singh, and S. Sukhrandeep Singh from village Mazara Dingriyan, alongside S. Lovedeep Singh from village Saila Khurd, and S. Gursewak Singh from village Jiwanpur Jattan, S. Taranjit Singh from village Bugra and S. Sukhjinder Singh from village Gujjarpur were also present at this gathering.
